The biggest freshman class in U-M's history starts school this fall. To accommodate the 6,000-member class, guest housing on Oxford Road will be used as dorms. Upperclassmen also received incentives to move out of student housing on North Campus. The class number is about 450 more than what the University had anticipated.

Moving from the college world to the working world can bring a whole slew of financial surprises. According to eGrad, here are things to keep in mind when you're planning your budget:

• Taxes—Once you start working full time, your salary goes up—and usually so does your tax bracket. Unlike your parents, who can usually list expenses such as mortgage interest or dependents, you probably won't have many deductions.
• Health insurance—If you're lucky enough to get full coverage from your employer, great. But don't be surprised if you have to contribute a portion of your salary.
• Dental insurance—Most employers will provide it for a nominal fee.
• Renters insurance—It might not seem necessary, but renters insurance can be a lifesaver in case you have to deal with theft, flooding or fire.
• Car insurance—Make sure you do your research and budget accordingly. Car insurance is often a shock to new grads, and it's usually higher in big cities or if you have a poor driving record.

Maintaining a car can be confusing, especially when you're juggling other priorities the first few years after college. In order to avoid car troubles, make sure you get your oil changed every 3,000 miles, schedule a tune-up every 30,000 miles, frequently check your tires for uneven wear, and get your car washed regularly, not only to look good, but to prevent rust and corrosion. And if you're a total novice, check out Automotive 101, a Web site filled with maintenance tips and answers to common questions. It's easy to understand and even offers illustrations.

Just because you've graduated doesn't mean you care any less about Michigan football! When the team hits the road this fall, make plans to join other Wolverines to cheer the team on! To relive the Michigan spirit with other Michigan fans, make sure you tailgate with the Alumni Association. We have a new format this year for our True Blue Away-Game Tailgates, featuring new low ticket prices and a la carte food options. Tickets start at only $5, so you can be flexible on game day—come for the entire tailgate, stop by for a bit of Michigan spirit as you explore the home team's campus or bring the whole gang. Here's the schedule for 2004:

• Saturday, September 11: Michigan at Notre Dame Away-Game Tailgate
• Saturday, October 2: Michigan at Indiana Away-Game Tailgate
• Saturday, October 9: Michigan vs. Minnesota Go Blue Homecoming Tailgate
• Saturday, October 16: Michigan at Illinois Away-Game Tailgate
• Saturday, October 23: Michigan at Purdue Away-Game Tailgate
• Saturday, November 20: Michigan at Ohio State Away-Game Tailgate

For details and to buy your tickets, visit our Web site.

One of the Alumni CareerPort's partners, Monster, has some great tips for making the most of your first job.

• Have a good attitude. Many employers complain that new grads expect too much or are arrogant and condescending.
• Pay attention to how staff members interact. You'll learn a lot about who is really in charge, regardless of what the organization chart says. Knowing how decisions are made and who calls the shots is information that will serve you throughout your career.
• Use your first job to build skills by volunteering for projects and taking advantage of professional development opportunities.
• Ask for regular feedback and keep a file of any compliments you may receive. These will come in handy for advancement and future job possibilities.

Read all the tips at Monster.com.